In a celebration on Wednesday, September 2, the Farmington Public Library honored one of its afterschool students. Aubrey Maslen, a participant in Farmington Public’s “Great After School Program” won a national afterschool art contest sponsored by Torani, the number one specialty syrup in North America, and the Afterschool Alliance. The contest was to design a special label for one of the company’s beverages. His design was chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by afterschool students across the country and it will adorn the Torani Peppermint Syrup bottle.

This event, an Italian soda and pizza party which was hosted by Torani and the Afterschool Alliance, is meant to highlight the critical role the afterschool programs play in supporting young people and contributing to their success. The Great After School Program at the Farmington Public Library offers youth safe, enriching fun and engaging places to spend their afternoons. Youth in afterschool programs have been shown to perform better in school and have greater expectations for the future, while children who are unsupervised in the afternoons are at greater risk of becoming involved with crime, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy.

Torani beverages are sold nationwide in coffeehouses, and Torani will donate five percent of the product’s sales to the Afterschool Alliance.

Flu in the library. H1N1 (Swine Flu) is in the news again (see HH #1687, May 1, 2009), and libraries in New Mexico should be thinking about how to protect patrons in situations that contribute to the possibility of contagion.

ALA enters health care fray. The American Library Association (ALA) sent a letter on August 19 to all members of Congress, voicing its support for including a “public option” in health care reform legislation.

The association, which represents over 65,000 members, also supports a “single-payer” option and believes removing public options, including potential cooperative arrangements, from the final legislation would not accomplish the strong reform needed.

“Without a ‘single-payer’ provision, ALA is even more committed to retaining a ‘public option’ as reform legislation moves forward,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said. “Like every segment of our society, our nation’s library budgets are being outpaced and even consumed with increasing costs of health care. With the vast majority of librarians and library workers employed in the public sector, the rising cost of providing health insurance has placed enormous burdens on state and local governments. This makes it increasingly difficult for them to adequately fund libraries – and threatens our ability to serve the public.”

Sheketoff said the association has previously informed Congress of its support of health care reforms and is calling upon Congress again to pass significant legislation that will ensure health care is available to all.

An ALA resolution passed at the association’s July 2009 Annual Conference in Chicago states, “The ever-increasing expense of health care benefits continues to inhibit the ability of libraries to create career opportunities for librarians and library workers, stunts improvements in wages and thereby threatens the future of our profession and our libraries.”

“Libraries must be able to offer affordable and comprehensive health care insurance to assure healthy employees, to manage library budgets and to promote healthy communities that our libraries serve. We need a public option to make this happen,” Sheketoff said.

Digital Talking Books. The New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) announced the release of digital talking book (DTB) players in late August. Because there will be a limited supply of the digitally recorded format books at first, military veterans will have priority use of the new players and books. Based upon criteria established by the National Library Service (NLS), LBPH is scheduled to receive monthly allotments of 96 players of which 80 will be of “basic” design and 16 will be “advanced”. The primary difference between “basic” and “advanced” will be that the latter will allow the user to navigate to various sections and subsections of a recorded book, such as a scientific work.

Veterans comprise roughly ten per cent of the nearly 4,000 visually impaired and physically disabled statewide patrons of the LBPH. The prioritization of veterans’ services is based on section G of the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 701.10) covering loans of library materials for blind and other physically handicapped persons: “In the lending of such books, recordings, reproducers, musical scores, instructional texts, and other specialized materials, preference shall be at all times given to the needs of the blind and other physically handicapped persons who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.”

It is expected that all current active patrons of the LBPH program will have the opportunity to receive a DTB player by about the end of 2012. During this transitional time period, most patrons may choose to continue use of a specialized audiocassette player to access over 50,000 titles available via the NLS/LBPH catalog as the DTB catalog continues to grow.

For more information, contact John Mugford at (505) 476-9772 or
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HH notes. The Hitchhiker is about you and your libraries. We depend on you to let us know what is going on at your libraries, and what you like or don’t like about the content of the newsletter. Please help by spreading the word that Hitchhiker is back, and by reminding others to send their email addresses so we can notify them each time a new issue is available. Send your news and announcements, and also new and corrected email addresses to
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Health information survey. The New Mexico State Library and the UNM Health Sciences Library have entered into an exciting new partnership to assist the state’s public, tribal, and military libraries, and its bookmobiles in providing health information resources to their clientele.

To help librarians with the health-related questions from the public, this collaboration is designed to provide training and sources of information to help libraries obtain accurate, reliable, quality information written in language that the public can understand. Planning includes a series of in-person training and Webinars on consumer health information, as well as offering informational support.

The first step is to learn from libraries what sort of information library users are seeking. A short survey to help develop a customized training is available online. Please take a few minutes of your busy day to respond by filling out the survey. The survey will be available through Monday, September 7.

Once the results are tabulated, the State Library’s Development Bureau staff will meet with the leaders of this project, Barbara Nail-Chiwetalu, Distance Services Coordinator, and Pat Bradley, Native Services Librarian, both of the NM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, to plan the next phase.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Eleanor Bernau, Continuing Education Coordinator, New Mexico State Library, (505) 476-7869, 800-340-3890 toll free, email
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Grant opportunity. The New Mexico Library Foundation is offering grants to support collections, programming, activities, and equipment that enhance library programs. The deadline for the first set of grants this year is October 30. Grants are a maximum of $1,000 and they are given to all types of libraries in New Mexico (public, private, school, special, academic). For more information about the grant, and to apply online, visit this website.

Library Science classes. The NN/LM SCR at El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas, is offering three classes on September 29-30:

“Easy-to-Read Health and Wellness Materials for Consumers” will be offered on September 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. This is a hands-on course on health literacy. Participants will learn to critique materials that get health and wellness information across quickly and clearly. The discussion will include the disconnect between information providers and information seekers, the process of educating adults, the success of “plain language” initiatives and the importance of text, type, graphics, space, and layout. Participants will learn websites containing easy-to-read materials.

“Super Searcher” will be offered on September 29 from 1-5 p.m.. This is also a hands-on course focused on the advanced search features of web search engines and the cutting edge of searching. Participants will use various search engines, compare the features and utility of each and develop search strategies that will increase the precision and scope of their searching. The students will have discussions, exercises and view short presentations as a part of the class. The class includes discussions of web search engines, indexes and hybrids of the two, commercialism and how it influences searching, finding current events information with search engines, specialized databases for special needs and topics suggested by the participants.

“Grants and Proposal Writing” will be offered on September 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Designed for beginning grant proposal writers, this class presents a general overview of the grant and funding processes as well as the level of detail required in a successful proposal. Each component of the grant writing process will be addressed, including: documenting the need; identifying the target population; writing measurable objectives; developing a work plan, an evaluation plan and dissemination plan.

Upon completion, class attendees will receive four hours MLA CE credit for each class. These three classes will fulfill the requirements for CHIS II certification.

MPLA conference. Apply now for the Mountain Plains Library Association 2010 Leadership Institute April 25-30, 2010 to be held at Estes Park, Colorado. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, December 1, 2009.

Criteria for applicants:

Employed in a library organization in MPLA’s 12-state region

Current member of one of MPLA’s 12 affiliated state library association

Minimum of 5 years in a library-related job with progressive experience

Record of experience that demonstrates leadership potential

Expected continued contribution to the profession

A thoughtfully completed application

Two letters of recommendation (Note: Education requirements of previous institutes have been removed.)

Registration cost for MPLA members is $450; non-MPLA members $550. This includes room and all meals. Attendees pay for their own transportation costs. Individual libraries, state libraries, and state associations have assisted attendees with registration and/or transportation costs in the past. It is up to the individual attendees to pursue these or other sources of financial assistance. Thirty participants will be selected through a process involving states and the MPLA Leadership Institute Committee. Notifications will be sent February 1, 2010. Use the link to application form. For more information contact Judy Zelenski,
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The 7th MPLA Leadership Institute will again be facilitated by nationally known organizational development consultant Maureen Sullivan. Ms. Sullivan has over 25 years experience in leadership development. She helped establish the ACRL/Harvard Leadership Institute and is a faculty member for its annual program.

Peggy Jean Suter, 72, former library director for the Eunice Public Library, passed away on August 20. Peggy was the director at Eunice Public Library for 25 years, 1981-2006. She was born July 18, 1937, in Wilburton, Oklahoma, to the late Henry Paul Eads and Violet Jessie (Jaggars)Eads. Peggy married James William Suter, May 14, 1954, in McAlester, Oklahoma. They moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1956, first to Carlsbad and later to Eunice in 1972. Peggy worked as Library Director for 25 years retiring in July 2006. Peggy leaves behind her husband of 55 years, James W. Suter, two daughters, Pauline Owens and family of Brush Prairie, Washington and Jo LaVonne Ahlm and family of Raton, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family request donations in lieu of flowers be made to the First United Methodist Church of Eunice or the Eunice Public Library.

Dainetta Kroeker is the new director at Tucumcari Public Library following Mary Ann Molinas' retirement (see HH #1691). Dainetta has been the youth services librarian. She has a Grade II Librarian Certification from the New Mexico State Library. Dainetta has lived in Tucumari for most of her life. She lived in Albuquerque for three years, where she had some of her library experience as a work-study at the [then] T-VI library. She moved back to Tucumcari with her family in December 1991 and was hired at the Tucumcari Public Library by Clara Rey, then library director there at that time. Dainetta started as a temporary employee, then moved to Library Clerk Aid, to Children’s Librarian, to Assistant Librarian, and now Library Director.

In her inaugural speech, incoming ALA President Camila Alire, former Dean of Libraries at the University of New Mexico, cited the Spectrum Presidential Initiative, which aim to raise $1 million for the Spectrum Scholarship Program. Past ALA president Betty Turock will serve as chair, with the help of immediate past-president Jim Rettig and President-elect Roberta Stevens. Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree and author Rudolfo Anaya of New Mexico will serve as honorary co-chairs.

Library director. The Town of Silver City is accepting applications for the position of Library Director. Responsibilities include management, operation, and promotion of the Silver City Public Library; provision of effective and efficient library services to the public; develops budgets, directs, instructs, sets standards, reviews and counsels/disciplines employees. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited university; three years experience in public library service; two years supervisory experience in a library setting; experience and knowledge in the principles and practices of library administration, budgeting, supervision, and personnel administration; proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with the public, town management, boards, and staff; familiarity with work processing, spreadsheets, internet access/use, and automated library systems; ability to write and speak effectively to produce clear, concise administrative material, public service announcement, and grant applications; ability to lift 15 lbs. and ability to pass drug and alcohol tests. A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA Accredited University is preferred. Application and copies of required license and certification must be submitted by September 18, 2009, to the Town of Silver City, Personnel Office, 101 W. Broadway, Silver City, NM 88061. The Town of Silver City’s hiring policy is available for review at City Hall.

Library director. Vista Grande Public Library, a non-profit public library serving unincorporated areas of southeast Santa Fe County, seeks a creative and user-oriented library director to work with one part-time staff member and a dedicated group of volunteers. Responsibilities include managing a team of more than 60 volunteers, collection development and technical services, program planning and implementation, and management of the library’s budget and facilities. The Library Director will represent the Library in community outreach, provide leadership in promoting use of information technology , and will support the Board of Directors in development, policy, and planning. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a strong community of readers, volunteers and a supportive Board of Directors. The position requires 35-40 hours per week (negotiable), with some evening programming and Saturday staffing. The Library Director must have strong leadership and communications skills with a strong service orientation; the ability to multi-task, work independently, and build a team environment; knowledge of information technology and hands-on computer skills; knowledge of budgeting, volunteer coordination, and library trends. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Previous experience managing a library/information center or similar institution is required. Experience in a non-profit organization is highly desirable. ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library/Information Sciences is desirable. Lacking an MLS degree, the incumbent must complete New Mexico State library director certification within 4 months of employment. The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license throughout the course of employment. A background check will be conducted prior to employment. The position includes paid vacation and sick leave but does not include benefits. Salary is negotiable. Send cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and three professional references to the address below by September 19. The job description and more information about the library is posted on the website: www.vglibrary.org. Contact Ann Jenkins, Board President, Vista Grande Public Library, 7 Avenida Vista Grande B7-192, Santa Fe, NM 87508-1999, or email:
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